Red Chain Games has introduced their newest creation, Boxed Out, and it’s an engaging puzzle experience that’s tough to step away from. This arcade-style game mixes simplicity with depth, reminiscent of the classic Tetris gameplay.
The objective is clear: eliminate the boxes. Each box is color-coded with one of several vibrant hues, and your task is to match these boxes in either groups of three or greater or stacks of four or more to eliminate them. Players have two main methods at their disposal: they can place new boxes using a grip button or alter the colors of already existing ones with a trigger.
The twist lies in your inability to select the color. Instead, colors are randomized, and a gun-like interface shows the color you’re set to shoot next. Additionally, Boxed Out provides a sneak peek of the upcoming color, allowing you to plan your moves effectively. Eliminating boxes causes the blocks above them to fall, which can lead to some incredibly satisfying chain reactions.
Players also have control over the direction from which the boxes approach. Personally, I enjoyed facing the blocks from the front rather than from above or below. It’s amusing to think that I could even play in ceiling mode while lying down if I so desired. I experienced Boxed Out while seated within a stationary boundary, but I can imagine it’s equally enjoyable when played standing up.
Though you can certainly play by remaining stationary, there’s an option for teleportation-based movement that enhances your ability to reach the best angles for clearing blocks. Experimenting with teleportation adds extra fun, particularly since you can teleport onto blocks and drop down with them when they disappear!
Currently, there are two game modes to choose from: Survival and Solitaire. Survival is exactly as its name suggests: clear as many blocks as possible without allowing any to touch the far side of the room. If even a single block manages to reach the opposite end, it’s game over.
Personally, I leaned more towards the simpler matching system of three in a row, facing the challenge of a four-color palette. In contrast, Solitaire offers a more relaxed puzzle-solving approach, focusing on clearing every single piece rather than racing against an influx of new blocks.
My initial experience with Boxed Out had me completely lose track of time. After two hours, as my headset’s battery waned, I removed my Quest 2, feeling as though I had been transported through time. The arcade-style nature of Boxed Out makes it extremely replayable, and getting early access allowed me to claim my spot at the top of the leaderboards. Naturally, I was motivated to keep surpassing my own scores to maintain my position once the game officially launched.
This straightforward and accessible design, along with the option for stationary play, makes Boxed Out easy to pick up at any moment. However, don’t be deceived by its seemingly simple premise. It has layers of complexity waiting to be uncovered. Even if the controls become intuitive quickly, it takes several rounds for strategy to fully develop. Thankfully, a tutorial is available to guide you through essential gameplay mechanics before you dive into leaderboard challenges.
Do you think your skills can surpass my score? Boxed Out is available now on the Meta Quest Store. You can also find it on PC VR and PlayStation VR under a different title.